Dear friend, I hope you and your loved ones continue to stay safe and well. I'm back in the district this week and had several meetings to stay in touch with the people I represent. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work Letter on Interconnections Seam StudyThis week, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-8) and I sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Dan Brouillette requesting answers on actions taken by political appointees within the DOE concerning the Interconnections Seam Study. The study's findings showed that expanding and increasing electric transmission capacity across transmission lines that bridge the "seams" in the grid could save consumers billions of dollars and eliminate up to 35 megatons of carbon dioxide pollution per year by 2038. While the study is essentially complete, reports indicate that Trump Administration appointees indefinitely delayed its release because they deemed its preliminary findings to be too anti-coal. We need to get to the bottom of this because impartial scientific research is what we need to rely upon to secure our energy reliability and address the climate crisis. TruCon 2020Last Friday, I joined a high-level conversation for the Truman National Security Project's 2020 Conference about the future of U.S. climate policy. My fellow panelists included Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, and the Honorable Sherri Goodman, formerly the U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense in Environmental Security. We discussed climate as it relates to our national security and military preparedness, potential cross-border carbon adjustments in international trade, and finding bipartisan climate solutions in Congress and across the country. Click here to watch our full discussion, beginning at 2:06:00.
District Work Visit to MCAS MiramarThis week, I toured energy, communications, and logistics facilities at MCAS Miramar. I learned more about the excellent work Marines are doing locally to drive innovation at the 5G Learning Lab, maximize emergency energy preparedness with their microgrid, and develop emerging technologies to support national security objectives as well as our local communities. Thanks to Colonel Dockery, Lieutenant Colonel Newell, and the rest of the team for your work and insight. Virtual Meeting with Biocom Leadership and San Diego Life Sciences ExpertsI had a great conversation with Biocom and other San Diego life science industry experts on Tuesday. We touched on a range of nationwide issues they are currently addressing, including COVID therapies and vaccines, the need for reinforced public health stockpiles, as well as my Ending the Diagnostic Odyssey Act to expand access to next-gen diagnostics. It's imperative we lower drug costs without sacrificing innovation. Meeting with Consul General of IndiaOn Wednesday, I met with Consul General of India in San Francisco, Dr. TV Nagendra Prasad. We discussed ways to expand current partnerships in agriculture and high technology, and how to develop new opportunities in healthcare and renewable energy. American Chiropractic Association Virtual MeetingI also met with members of the American Chiropractic Association. Our discussion included legislation that would allow chiropractors to bill Medicare for the full scope of chiropractic services as allowed by state law, and treat them like any other provider in the Medicare program. This would remove barriers to care and reduce costs. I also spoke about my commitment to drive down health care costs and expand access for all Americans. U.S. Service Academy Nominations Info NightThank you to all our liaisons and attendees for participating in Wednesday's service academy nominations info session. If you missed the meeting, you can watch it here. Applications are due by November 30th.
This Week's Casework Success Story Reem from Poway contacted the office requesting assistance with expediting her application for a replacement green card. Reem recently became a permanent resident, but U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) incorrectly listed her status on the card, subsequently compromising her ability to travel outside the United States. Due to USCIS' error, my staff worked with Reem to gather paperwork highlighting the agency's mistake. After identifying the incorrect status, USCIS approved the request and began production on a new card for Reem with her correct status.
Financial Aid for 2021-2022 Federal student aid applications, FAFSA, for the 2021-2022 academic year are now open. Federal aid includes grants, scholarships, work-study programs, loans and aid for military families and international study. FAFSA forms must be submitted by June 30, 2021, though each college may have its own deadline. Students should check with the colleges they are interested in attending and plan accordingly. | 